Pathari, Jan 6: Locals have voiced complaints that the ‘plant’ set up at Pathari Sanischare-10 Jiri Khimti of Morang during the construction of the Asian Highway has affected the environment. It is reported that the dust, smoke, contaminated water, raw materials and noise emanating from the plant have affected the community.
The contractor company has started the construction of the highway by setting up a plant by renting land from the locals for eight years. Locals have complained that the contractor has started construction works without collaborating with the locals and informing Pathari Sanischare Municipality.
Janak Pokharel, a local youth, said that the equipment and accessories of the plant inside the settlement have caused noise pollution, air pollution and water pollution. The toilets, constructed for the employees and labourers mobilized for the construction of the Asian Highway, has also affected the environment of the area, he added.
Moreover, the villagers of Jiri Khimti are facing problems with the addition of asphalt plant along with the plant at the same place. The plant is built in the area nearby houses and growing agricultural crops. Hari Niraula, chairman of Dans Morangi Community Forest Users Group, said that pollution has increased in the community due to the operation of plants.
